Folks were looking to buy a pre-owned car to upgrade from the 2003 Corolla. And after going through multiple cars, we've almost decided to go for a certain 2009 Sonata Transform Manual+Petrol. I live in Delhi, and the car is in Gurgaon, but has a Delhi registration. We're going to (hopefully) make the deal tomorrow, but I really need your all's advice/guidance before that.
REQUIREMENTS:- A good status symbol (So after the Corolla; City, etc. are out of the question)
- Comfortable/Luxurious Ride + Decent Rear Legroom (Would eventually br driven-driven backseat travel)
- Nominal maintenance and running costs (Bye-Bye, Laura & Superb)
- Manual transmission
REASONS FOR UPGRADE:- Archaic Car (Even a modern i10 has more tricks up its sleeves)
- More rear legroom (Would be using a driver, starting a few months)
- High fuel costs (Rolla is giving 8-9kmpl)
- Leather seats needed
BUDGET: As low as possible, as long as all checkboxes are ticked.
USAGE:- Almost 100% City. In Delhi-NCR + 2-3 trips/yr to Jaipur/Manali/etc
- Initially self-driven (Me & Dad), but in a couple of months driver-driven
- Initially <20km/week, but in a couple of months 20km/day + 100km/weekend
- For comfortable travel, and family vacations (No spirited driving, apart from the occasional overtake manoeuvres)
BACKSTORY
Dad didn't really want to change the car, so I started out looking for 2004-05 Corolla with leather seats and Sequential CNG. (Swap would have had costed less than the Leather Seats on the Rolla).
As the Corolla had already started looking archaic, and the decision to change the car was made, Dad agreed for a later upgrade and I started looking for 2006-07 Civics. I test-drove a couple of them, but after having used the Corolla, Civic didn't feel much of an upgrade. Yes, the dash is *epic*, and the looks are better, but the low-ground clearance (CNG-ed cars scraping on every little speed-breaker), and the low ingress and seating were strong deterrents. (Mom has a joint problem)
Then, after MUCH convincing and the need for hiring a driver in the coming months became foreseeable, Dad finally (sort of) agreed for the 2004-06 Accord; while still not giving me the complete green light!
FASTFORWARD TO PRESENT: Sonata Transform comes into picture
Now, before I ever took an Accord's test drive, I stumbled upon what seemed (and still does) an Amazing deal! A 2009 Sonata Transform 2.4VVT. As it comes, the Petrol-Manual isn't anywhere as old-school as the rest on the list. In facts, its interiors and features are practically 2012-14 standards. While it did go above are stipulated costing of 2.5-3lac (Civics, Accords were available in that range), Dad almost instantly agreed given the "upper model year", and the rest of the package. The car was listed at 4.6lac, and I'm pretty sure the person would settle down somewhere around the 4.2lac-territory. We plan to get a Tomasetto/BRC/equivalent Sequential CNG kit on it.
TEST DRIVE
I was taken aback during the test-drive. Apart from the snail-like acceleration, the car lived up to every bit of my (positive) expectations. The exteriors are immaculate (apart from a few scratches, a little bump on one wheel arch, and another on the bonnet; none so easily visible), and interiors look brilliant and have a decent quality and finish (apart from the flimsy light buttons and those on the steering). Though, the headliner is coming out on the rear end, making it sag, and oddly enough there seem to be paper crumbles inside the lights. But that's nothing, which can't be fixed with some adhesive and an hour in the workshop!
THE PROBLEM
The car does drive like a snail, reaching barely 60-65kmph, where my Rolla would do 80, and 80-85, when Rolla would be well past 100! (Didn't time or anything, just an estimate). Later I test drove a Manual Diesel priced at 8.5lac by a dealer, just for comparison sakes, and that was only marginally better. So, I guess this ain't a real problem (except for the enthusiast in me, that is)
THE REAL PROBLEM
The car in question (2009 Sonata Transform 2.4 VVT Manual Petrol) though drives very smoothly, makes a very heavy *thump* sort of a sound whenever it passes over potholes and speed-breakers. It feels as if the car literally has a tonne of weight stuck into its boot! (I checked, boot was empty
)
DETAILS:
Make, Model & Variant : 2009 (Aug) Hyundai Sonata Transform 2.4 VVT (Manual, Petrol)
Owners : 2* (We'd be 3rd)
Driven : 62000km
Condition : Good/Excellent (Apart from the *REAL PROBLEM*)
Insurance : Expired
Quoted Price : 4.6lac
*According to the seller, the car was some Hyundai Exec's official car for the first 3 years of its life. The current seller is selling due to changed job profile demanding daily travel of 100+km, and lives in Gurgaon (Says only 2-3 CNG Pumps, takes 45+min/refill)
URGENT ADVICE NEEDED
I'll definitely be following the TBHP 'Used Car Buying Guide' to the word, and some other precautions which I deem necessary. I'll have it checked at a Hyundai Authorized Service Station (they're asking just 550, which raises questions on the amount of work they'll put into it).
The heavy thump noise, the expired insurance, and the low price certainly does raise eyebrows about the legitimacy of the deal (at least for myself and my folks). Is there any other precaution/check that I should do? How exactly to determine if the car is accidental or has been involved in a police case?
What does this thumping sound indicate?
How is the reliability, maintenance, and repair of the Sonata Transform?
And the larger question, should we even go for a Sonata Transform? From what I've read on the forum, it seems like a decent and reliable car. But, the guy at the service centre as well as at Ghai Motors (Major stockist in Delhi) advised against it for its uber-expensive and rarely-available spares. How true/accurate is that? Would it be a better choice to rather go for the 2004-06 Accord? (It's cheaper by a whole 1.5lac too)
Really looking forward to everybody's help. Would really appreciate if Transform owners could pour in a few insights.
P.S. This is my 5th/6th post I guess, so pardon me, if I flouted any guidelines/forum code.